CHICO, Calif. - Two goals conceded at the end of each half saw the Wildcats dropping their first non-conference match of the year, but there were many positives to take away from Sunday's matchup. Last season, the Orediggers were RMAC regular season champions, falling to Colorado Mesa in both their conference tournament and the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines Orediggers traveled to Chico for their fourth meeting with the Wildcats in the past decade. An early goal from Brynn Howard gave the 'Cats an early lead in the 18th minute, winning a header in traffic that Hannah Pieri whipped in from the corner spot. Howard scoring her fifth career goal in a Wildcats jersey, while Pieri notched her second assist in two games.

As the game continued in the first half, the Orediggers showed no signs of sitting on their heels and continued to press their attack to try and equalize before the half. The Wildcats battled their many offensive pushes, Emma Hofmann making four crucial saves in the first half to keep their lead. 

Just before the halftime whistle, the visitors broke through the 'Cats' defense and put one in the net to equalize before the break. In the 77th minute, the Orediggers found another chance in front of a goal that slipped past Hofmann and gave the nationally ranked squad the lead with 15 minutes remaining. 

The Wildcats continued pushing the ball forward until the final seconds but could not put one of their five shots in the half past the visitor's keeper. Hannah Pieri took four shots in their loss, with two forcing saves from the Orediggers goalie. 

Freshman Elyse Valenzeula and Caroline Souza made their Chico State debuts.

Chico State women's soccer will be on the road this week in Washington, starting in Ellensburg with a matchup against Central Washington. Kickoff will be at 11:30 a.m.